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The Survivors #1
Summer
The world changed overnight. A deadly virus struck, killing billions outright and reducing many more to harmless, hapless zombies. Only a handful of unlucky souls were spared, thanks to a rare genetic immunity. Now, a decade after the virus devastated humanity, cities that once teemed with life are empty, the streets silent and crumbling. Those few who survived are alone in the world. Completely, utterly alone. Sandy McDermott is one of those survivors, a solitary woman alone in a world without rules. The last decade has not been kind to her. She struggles to balance the unbearable pain of isolation with the perils of this bold new world, without losing her humanity along the way. Humankind's extinction event has come and gone. She has survived. Now, can she find a way to live? THE SURVIVORS: A tale of love, hope, and humanity set against the backdrop of post-apocalyptic New Zealand.
362 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2013
417 people are currently reading
1732 people want to read
About the author
V.L. Dreyer
16 books73 followersVictoria L. Dreyer is an international best-selling author based out of Auckland, New Zealand. She is best known for her post-apocalyptic series, The Survivors, as well as the Immortelle series under her pen name, Abigail Hawk. Her earlier works cover numerous graphic novels, including Tour Girls In The 23rd Century and The Gyrath's Gate Chronicles and an assortment of essays and short stories.
Ms Dreyer grew up in a home that valued literacy above all else, and she learned her love of books during childhood. At the age of 14, she penned her first novel in the form of the original draft of the The Gyrath’s Gate Chronicles, which is in the process of being adapted to graphic novel format. Shortly after high school, she co-founded the graphic novel publisher Blue Scar Productions with the aid of Alexandra “Blue” Saunders. Between the two of them, they recruited sixteen volunteers united by their love of comic books. Although Blue Scar Productions ceased to operate as a commercial entity in November 2011, Ms Dreyer has since gone on to produce more works under her own name. Her preferred genres are science fiction, post-apocalyptic survival, and romance - and sometimes all three at once.
Ms Dreyer suffers from an advanced form of Meniere's Disease, which has left her with a hearing impairment. Despite this, she still loves talking to her readers. In her free time, she is an avid reader, enjoys freelance writing and photography, and loves to explore an assortment of handicrafts.
Ms Dreyer grew up in a home that valued literacy above all else, and she learned her love of books during childhood. At the age of 14, she penned her first novel in the form of the original draft of the The Gyrath’s Gate Chronicles, which is in the process of being adapted to graphic novel format. Shortly after high school, she co-founded the graphic novel publisher Blue Scar Productions with the aid of Alexandra “Blue” Saunders. Between the two of them, they recruited sixteen volunteers united by their love of comic books. Although Blue Scar Productions ceased to operate as a commercial entity in November 2011, Ms Dreyer has since gone on to produce more works under her own name. Her preferred genres are science fiction, post-apocalyptic survival, and romance - and sometimes all three at once.
Ms Dreyer suffers from an advanced form of Meniere's Disease, which has left her with a hearing impairment. Despite this, she still loves talking to her readers. In her free time, she is an avid reader, enjoys freelance writing and photography, and loves to explore an assortment of handicrafts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 21, 2013
Most apocalyptic type books and movies deal with the events leading up to and directly after. This book breaks the mold going 10 years into the future following Sandy, a survivor of the plague, trying to etch out a life among the small Towns by herself. Relying on her knowledge and survival skills she comes to a new town after the last one she was in ran dry of supplies. Trying to clear the place out and scrounging for food and other useful tools when an accident forces her to leave the relative safety of her new home to go to a larger city to a hospital for medical supplies. Sandy stumbles onto more than she bargained for, but it could be a good thing. Finding survivors who appear to be good people unlike others she had come across before, she must decide if she can trust them, or go back out on her own. And what happens after she decides only time will tell if she made the right choice.
Great story showing sometimes determination to survive in an extreme world. Zombies are a plus in this end of the world novel. I loved the depth to the characters and their vivid backgrounds made for an even more amazing story. I could definitely see this as a movie in the future. I highly recommend this book I loved it and can't wait for the next in the series.
Great story showing sometimes determination to survive in an extreme world. Zombies are a plus in this end of the world novel. I loved the depth to the characters and their vivid backgrounds made for an even more amazing story. I could definitely see this as a movie in the future. I highly recommend this book I loved it and can't wait for the next in the series.
January 3, 2014
The Survivors Book 1: Summer
The Survivors
by V.L. Dreyer
Given by author for an honest review.
Wow! This is my first Apocalyptic/Dystopian read. I have to say, I think I may be completely hooked!
This was an emotional roller-coaster. I was left basically sitting on the edge of my seat, digging my nails into the arm of my chair, to having a box of Kleenex always near. Thank you V.L. Dreyer for the heart stopping, heart pounding, tears running and feelings of hope.
Sandy McDermott has to learn to survive in a virus savaged world. She is the last one left out of her family.
A new strain of the Ebola virus has made it's way around the world, leaving few "survivors" in it's aftermath.
Believing that she can't trust other survivors, due to early experiences with them, she stays to herself. She gets along just fine on her own, or so she thinks. Then, she meets up with more survivors. Can they be trusted? Can she learn to trust again?
Join Sandy in a world where there are few resources and even fewer people. Where the zombies are no threat, but there is plenty to be afraid of.
V.L. Dreyer has done an excellent job of painting a world ravished by death and the need/will to survive.
As a new reader to this genre, I highly recommend this book. I am sure the ones to follow will be just as riveting as this one.
The Survivors
by V.L. Dreyer
Given by author for an honest review.
Wow! This is my first Apocalyptic/Dystopian read. I have to say, I think I may be completely hooked!
This was an emotional roller-coaster. I was left basically sitting on the edge of my seat, digging my nails into the arm of my chair, to having a box of Kleenex always near. Thank you V.L. Dreyer for the heart stopping, heart pounding, tears running and feelings of hope.
Sandy McDermott has to learn to survive in a virus savaged world. She is the last one left out of her family.
A new strain of the Ebola virus has made it's way around the world, leaving few "survivors" in it's aftermath.
Believing that she can't trust other survivors, due to early experiences with them, she stays to herself. She gets along just fine on her own, or so she thinks. Then, she meets up with more survivors. Can they be trusted? Can she learn to trust again?
Join Sandy in a world where there are few resources and even fewer people. Where the zombies are no threat, but there is plenty to be afraid of.
V.L. Dreyer has done an excellent job of painting a world ravished by death and the need/will to survive.
As a new reader to this genre, I highly recommend this book. I am sure the ones to follow will be just as riveting as this one.
June 29, 2013
Find This and Other Reviews At Craves The Angst.
I received this eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
4 Solid stars!
A Layered, Touching, Powerful Story of Humanity and Survival!
The Rundown:
In 2013, Ebola-X decimated the human population, presumably worldwide.
After losing her father and sister, her mother and grandmother, Sandy’s left to live on her own at the young age of eighteen. After weeks of solitude, she ventures out of the secluded beach house where she buried her family, seeking desperately needed food and provisions.
This story starts ten years later in Ohaupo, New Zealand.
Sandy, one of the immune, has survived the apocalypse, the fall of humanity and even barbarous human acts over the last ten years, ever since a deadly virus stamped-out most of the worlds population and turned the majority of society into zombies. The world is a much different place and the small portion of civilization who remain due to an immunity, are no longer governed by the laws and rules once enforced, now washed out of existence.
Escaping horrific circumstances, Sandy has decided being alone is the way she wants to live out her days. So scavenging, hunting and pilfering from one town to the next until supplies run out, keeps her days busy and though her life isn’t a good one or even a fulfilling one, she prefers the loneliness to the barbaric humanity thats scorned her.
That is until an accident sends her out of her hiding place and she meets a small group of people who revive her faith and hope as they hold civility close and exhibit a human kindness she thought long dead.
The Review:
I love a good zombie versus human story, especially when the story is character driven and the zombies aren’t brain starved, staggering corpses. V.L. Dreyer gives us that in this thrilling, sometimes scary, most of the time intense, and always entertaining read. I was warned by the author before starting this read that it was still in the editing stages and I have to say, if this is the unfinished product, color me seriously impressed. The writing was descriptive and flowed well, completely immersing me in the desolate, lonely world this author creates. It isn’t bright and pretty, it isn’t pleasant nor fun. This world is dark, dreary and grim yet when Sandy meets up with the rest of the cast, friendships and companionship is formed amongst the rubble of a once flourishing civilization. Its beautiful and wondrous to see humanity strive for life, holding tight hope, even after such hopeless defeat.
The Story...
We spend the first hundred pages alone with Sandy as she navigates through town and collects provision, but we are never bored. Through the use of internal thoughts, memory flashbacks and one persistent kitten, the author fills those pages with a graphic, daring story of isolation and dismal loneliness as Sandy tracks through deserted streets, buildings and a town no longer thriving as it once had. I could clearly picture the vacuity of her surroundings and I didn’t need a constant interaction with other characters to fill the void. The author does a brilliant job delivering this. When an accident forces Sandy from seclusion and other characters are introduced, a precarious journey of survival begins along with the trials of a small group cultivating a future and re-gaining civilization.
The Zombies...
I really liked the authors take on the zombies in her story. They were unintelligent, unaware and for the most part, non threatening. If they were kind or monstrous in life, they were docile or fiendish after infected. Though we only really met one zombie pre-mutation, we get the impression they just roamed aimlessly without much cerebral function. What could be more terrifying than a human with no cognitive thought, being nothing more than a rotting shell, trapped and unable to feel emotions or to look at things you once loved and have no recognition at all?
The mutated zombies, thats what!! Scare-eeeeeee!
As if a virus wiping out most of the human populous wasn’t enough, now the virus has altered and turned sometimes dangerous zombies into mutated, horrifying cannibalistic monsters who seem to have an intelligence their predecessors don't.
Oh, and crazed, rotting, rampaging pigs! Run!!!
The Humans...
I loved all the characters. The doctor, the child, the pregnant young woman and her fiance as well as the Maori survivors we meet later on but I especially loved Sandy and Michael.
Sandy was seriously haunted and broken after the harrowing events of her past, and rightly so. But she’s independent, strong and brave. When she meets up with the other characters, she becomes this loyal, fierce leader who, along with Michael, lead their small band to greener pastures. She’s a true fighter and her intelligence and common sense keep the family moving forward. I liked that she wasn’t just someone to protect but did the protecting.
Michael and Sandy's romance was a sweet reprieve from the intense danger of the world around them. I really liked Michael and his need to protect the people he feels are now his charges. I do have to say though that he seemed much younger than his thirty-two years and less war-hardened than I would have thought given he’s spent the last ten years surviving the apocalypse.
The Wrap Up:
This book gives the reader a constantly changing range of emotions to experience. From loneliness, to fear, from sadness, to happiness, to nervousness, the story never falters from entertaining. I can’t wait for others to read this book and see their reviews! And I'm excited to see what happens next, in book two, The Survivors Book II: Autumn (The Survivors, #2), considering the cliffy we are left with.
I received this eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
4 Solid stars!
A Layered, Touching, Powerful Story of Humanity and Survival!
The Rundown:
In 2013, Ebola-X decimated the human population, presumably worldwide.
After losing her father and sister, her mother and grandmother, Sandy’s left to live on her own at the young age of eighteen. After weeks of solitude, she ventures out of the secluded beach house where she buried her family, seeking desperately needed food and provisions.
This story starts ten years later in Ohaupo, New Zealand.
Sandy, one of the immune, has survived the apocalypse, the fall of humanity and even barbarous human acts over the last ten years, ever since a deadly virus stamped-out most of the worlds population and turned the majority of society into zombies. The world is a much different place and the small portion of civilization who remain due to an immunity, are no longer governed by the laws and rules once enforced, now washed out of existence.
Escaping horrific circumstances, Sandy has decided being alone is the way she wants to live out her days. So scavenging, hunting and pilfering from one town to the next until supplies run out, keeps her days busy and though her life isn’t a good one or even a fulfilling one, she prefers the loneliness to the barbaric humanity thats scorned her.
That is until an accident sends her out of her hiding place and she meets a small group of people who revive her faith and hope as they hold civility close and exhibit a human kindness she thought long dead.
The Review:
I love a good zombie versus human story, especially when the story is character driven and the zombies aren’t brain starved, staggering corpses. V.L. Dreyer gives us that in this thrilling, sometimes scary, most of the time intense, and always entertaining read. I was warned by the author before starting this read that it was still in the editing stages and I have to say, if this is the unfinished product, color me seriously impressed. The writing was descriptive and flowed well, completely immersing me in the desolate, lonely world this author creates. It isn’t bright and pretty, it isn’t pleasant nor fun. This world is dark, dreary and grim yet when Sandy meets up with the rest of the cast, friendships and companionship is formed amongst the rubble of a once flourishing civilization. Its beautiful and wondrous to see humanity strive for life, holding tight hope, even after such hopeless defeat.
The Story...
We spend the first hundred pages alone with Sandy as she navigates through town and collects provision, but we are never bored. Through the use of internal thoughts, memory flashbacks and one persistent kitten, the author fills those pages with a graphic, daring story of isolation and dismal loneliness as Sandy tracks through deserted streets, buildings and a town no longer thriving as it once had. I could clearly picture the vacuity of her surroundings and I didn’t need a constant interaction with other characters to fill the void. The author does a brilliant job delivering this. When an accident forces Sandy from seclusion and other characters are introduced, a precarious journey of survival begins along with the trials of a small group cultivating a future and re-gaining civilization.
The Zombies...
I really liked the authors take on the zombies in her story. They were unintelligent, unaware and for the most part, non threatening. If they were kind or monstrous in life, they were docile or fiendish after infected. Though we only really met one zombie pre-mutation, we get the impression they just roamed aimlessly without much cerebral function. What could be more terrifying than a human with no cognitive thought, being nothing more than a rotting shell, trapped and unable to feel emotions or to look at things you once loved and have no recognition at all?
The mutated zombies, thats what!! Scare-eeeeeee!
As if a virus wiping out most of the human populous wasn’t enough, now the virus has altered and turned sometimes dangerous zombies into mutated, horrifying cannibalistic monsters who seem to have an intelligence their predecessors don't.
Oh, and crazed, rotting, rampaging pigs! Run!!!
The Humans...
I loved all the characters. The doctor, the child, the pregnant young woman and her fiance as well as the Maori survivors we meet later on but I especially loved Sandy and Michael.
Sandy was seriously haunted and broken after the harrowing events of her past, and rightly so. But she’s independent, strong and brave. When she meets up with the other characters, she becomes this loyal, fierce leader who, along with Michael, lead their small band to greener pastures. She’s a true fighter and her intelligence and common sense keep the family moving forward. I liked that she wasn’t just someone to protect but did the protecting.
Michael and Sandy's romance was a sweet reprieve from the intense danger of the world around them. I really liked Michael and his need to protect the people he feels are now his charges. I do have to say though that he seemed much younger than his thirty-two years and less war-hardened than I would have thought given he’s spent the last ten years surviving the apocalypse.
The Wrap Up:
This book gives the reader a constantly changing range of emotions to experience. From loneliness, to fear, from sadness, to happiness, to nervousness, the story never falters from entertaining. I can’t wait for others to read this book and see their reviews! And I'm excited to see what happens next, in book two, The Survivors Book II: Autumn (The Survivors, #2), considering the cliffy we are left with.
December 22, 2013
Sandy rocks. Let’s establish that. A young woman who spent her transition years of teenager to adulthood in the midst of a undead apocalypse. It’s a touch of I am Legend meets Castaway. Yes, I said Castaway, because Sandy is resourceful. She doesn’t rely on schooling or brains, she relies on instinct and that is what got her to survive for ten years.
She is a loner and we know through her attitude and narrative that she has learned the hard way not to trust. She’s been used and abused and pretty much said, “heck with it, I’m taking this world alone.’ Which she has done quite well. She carries empathy for the undead, even using names to remind, perhaps herself , that they were human at one time.
When we meet her, Sandy has her survival needs down pat and a routine. Even to the point of being anal retentive about cleanliness. Ms. Dreyer does an excellent job of characterization. We get to know her, vision her, care and often cringe for her. I loved the flashbacks of how it all went down. I really liked when the flashbacks started, because Sandy was so darned normal. She’s not a military genius nor does the author feel the need to impress us with weaponry knowledge. The story stays true to what the character knows and has learned. Kudos. A good job by Ms. Dreyer. The story is strong and it focuses on the human side instead of the events. That makes a good, strong story in my opinion. I quite enjoyed it.
So why did I give it three and a half stars?
Ms. Dreyer has a gift of gab, and while she can pen well what she writes, sometimes she will over write. I don’t mean deeply describing a scene. I mean there were times where it took a bit of time to reach a point, writing about every little thing the character witnessed. Some things were not important. A good example was the cleaning of the apartment. Although, I believe that’s a matter of taste. Some readers enjoy that much information; personally it was a tough for me. Where she could have written more, she didn’t. Like the flashbacks.
My other reason – She dated herself. I don’t mean, Ms. Dreyer dined alone and went to see a movie. Her novel is full of current references of today. Yes, the book takes place in ten years, but she is specific about ten years from now, right now. Even giving the date of this year (2013), that alone takes away from the fear aspect. December, 2013 is here and almost gone. Just like no one really cares about the movie, 2012 anymore (If they ever did) or likes being scared of anything with 2012. It lost its appeal. I know her book was aimed to move, more than scare, but I want that realistic fear instilled into me, that can only happen if I am looking at a ‘what if’ situation with no dates. Stephen King has once said the worst mistake he made was putting a date of 1984 in The Stand. Something he has since gone back and changed. While Survivors is ten years in the future, I strongly believe this novel can be read long past ten years from now and into another generation who may not know what Zombieland is.
That being said, I personally enjoyed the novel and even more so as it went on. There are a couple of things that transpire that are awesome, but I can’t divulge them because it would just ruin it for you. Her foreshowing is so nicely done, you don’t see it coming. I will say this, Sandy meets up with a group of survivors that completely changes her outlook. The character of Michael is brilliant.
Ms. Dreyer does an awesome job of crafting an original story. And it really is a solid, original story. She adds a twist with the zombies that I personally loved. This is a book I would recommend and look forward to the sequel.
Visit www.bookie-monster.com to read the full review. Review submitted by TBM team member Jacqueline Druga.
She is a loner and we know through her attitude and narrative that she has learned the hard way not to trust. She’s been used and abused and pretty much said, “heck with it, I’m taking this world alone.’ Which she has done quite well. She carries empathy for the undead, even using names to remind, perhaps herself , that they were human at one time.
When we meet her, Sandy has her survival needs down pat and a routine. Even to the point of being anal retentive about cleanliness. Ms. Dreyer does an excellent job of characterization. We get to know her, vision her, care and often cringe for her. I loved the flashbacks of how it all went down. I really liked when the flashbacks started, because Sandy was so darned normal. She’s not a military genius nor does the author feel the need to impress us with weaponry knowledge. The story stays true to what the character knows and has learned. Kudos. A good job by Ms. Dreyer. The story is strong and it focuses on the human side instead of the events. That makes a good, strong story in my opinion. I quite enjoyed it.
So why did I give it three and a half stars?
Ms. Dreyer has a gift of gab, and while she can pen well what she writes, sometimes she will over write. I don’t mean deeply describing a scene. I mean there were times where it took a bit of time to reach a point, writing about every little thing the character witnessed. Some things were not important. A good example was the cleaning of the apartment. Although, I believe that’s a matter of taste. Some readers enjoy that much information; personally it was a tough for me. Where she could have written more, she didn’t. Like the flashbacks.
My other reason – She dated herself. I don’t mean, Ms. Dreyer dined alone and went to see a movie. Her novel is full of current references of today. Yes, the book takes place in ten years, but she is specific about ten years from now, right now. Even giving the date of this year (2013), that alone takes away from the fear aspect. December, 2013 is here and almost gone. Just like no one really cares about the movie, 2012 anymore (If they ever did) or likes being scared of anything with 2012. It lost its appeal. I know her book was aimed to move, more than scare, but I want that realistic fear instilled into me, that can only happen if I am looking at a ‘what if’ situation with no dates. Stephen King has once said the worst mistake he made was putting a date of 1984 in The Stand. Something he has since gone back and changed. While Survivors is ten years in the future, I strongly believe this novel can be read long past ten years from now and into another generation who may not know what Zombieland is.
That being said, I personally enjoyed the novel and even more so as it went on. There are a couple of things that transpire that are awesome, but I can’t divulge them because it would just ruin it for you. Her foreshowing is so nicely done, you don’t see it coming. I will say this, Sandy meets up with a group of survivors that completely changes her outlook. The character of Michael is brilliant.
Ms. Dreyer does an awesome job of crafting an original story. And it really is a solid, original story. She adds a twist with the zombies that I personally loved. This is a book I would recommend and look forward to the sequel.
Visit www.bookie-monster.com to read the full review. Review submitted by TBM team member Jacqueline Druga.
June 8, 2018
BEAUTIFUL seems like an odd word to describe a zombie apocalypse book but that the word that best describes it for me.
The premise is similar to your usual book from this genre. Virus wipes out most of the globes population, a small few are immune and must survive this post apocalypic world and of course where would we be without the zombies. We've heard it all before. So what makes this one any different?
This is set ten years after the outbreak in New Zealand. The country has sustained much better than other countries due to its natural, rural landscape and the remaining survivors seem to act and think differently to what we are used to seeing in other post apcalyptic books. At one point the main character mentions "We Kiwis are peaceful little birds" and are uncomfortable even talking about guns and violence. This makes the tone very human and raw.
Another big difference are the zombies. At the beginning of the book we are told that these zombies don't crave human flesh. In fact they don't do much of anything. They just exsist. They're docile and lost. It's pretty sad and haunting to be honest.
This is a human story. Emotional and real. Sandy has spent so long alone that when she finally finds others she does'nt know whether to run from them or cling to them. I loved every character in this book especially Sandy. Her chemistry will Michael made my heart melt.
Yes, its a bit slow at the start. The first 100 pages are a bit long winded but once you get past them you won't be able to put it down. This author knows how to write.
It's not an epic, action packed zombie book. It's a story of survival, community, human emotion and how to love and trust when the world has fallen. That being said it does has some pretty harrowing scenes though so don't be fooled.
I personally really liked it and like i said it was just...beautiful. Looking forward to read the next one.
The premise is similar to your usual book from this genre. Virus wipes out most of the globes population, a small few are immune and must survive this post apocalypic world and of course where would we be without the zombies. We've heard it all before. So what makes this one any different?
This is set ten years after the outbreak in New Zealand. The country has sustained much better than other countries due to its natural, rural landscape and the remaining survivors seem to act and think differently to what we are used to seeing in other post apcalyptic books. At one point the main character mentions "We Kiwis are peaceful little birds" and are uncomfortable even talking about guns and violence. This makes the tone very human and raw.
Another big difference are the zombies. At the beginning of the book we are told that these zombies don't crave human flesh. In fact they don't do much of anything. They just exsist. They're docile and lost. It's pretty sad and haunting to be honest.
This is a human story. Emotional and real. Sandy has spent so long alone that when she finally finds others she does'nt know whether to run from them or cling to them. I loved every character in this book especially Sandy. Her chemistry will Michael made my heart melt.
Yes, its a bit slow at the start. The first 100 pages are a bit long winded but once you get past them you won't be able to put it down. This author knows how to write.
It's not an epic, action packed zombie book. It's a story of survival, community, human emotion and how to love and trust when the world has fallen. That being said it does has some pretty harrowing scenes though so don't be fooled.
I personally really liked it and like i said it was just...beautiful. Looking forward to read the next one.
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January 3, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/3/2018)! 💝
July 23, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
The Survivors Book 1: Summer, was an amazing book. It follows Sandy, a woman immune to the outbreak, as she struggle to survive in the world after infection.
The beginning of the story lets us get familiar with Sandy and the way the world has changed. We join her as she comes upon a new town in search of supplies and understand her fear of other humans as we get glimpses of her past thru flashbacks. We get to know and sympathize with her and really like her as person. We also learn about the infection and V.L Dreyers has a unique and often sympathetic look into the zombie.
We follow Sandy as she makes contact with small group of survivors that seem to actually be good. The book is so well paced. Nothing is rushed as we learn to trust these new people too. Each character is well rounded and individual.
We also learn that the infecting is mutating and making a harsh world even harder. I pulled for Sandy and her friends in a way I haven't in a long time. I almost dreaded reading near the end of the book for fear that something bad would happen. It's the kind of book you find yourself daydreaming about when your not reading. The end is quite the cliff hanger. I usually hate cliff hangers but since I knew I would already be continuing this series I didn't mind so much.
One of my favorite things about this book was how it wasn't the cookie cutter book. It was a fantastic book that reminded me of the feel of 28 Days Later. That no matter how horrible the world got that somehow the human spirit will try to overcome.
Can't wait for the next book!
The Survivors Book 1: Summer, was an amazing book. It follows Sandy, a woman immune to the outbreak, as she struggle to survive in the world after infection.
The beginning of the story lets us get familiar with Sandy and the way the world has changed. We join her as she comes upon a new town in search of supplies and understand her fear of other humans as we get glimpses of her past thru flashbacks. We get to know and sympathize with her and really like her as person. We also learn about the infection and V.L Dreyers has a unique and often sympathetic look into the zombie.
We follow Sandy as she makes contact with small group of survivors that seem to actually be good. The book is so well paced. Nothing is rushed as we learn to trust these new people too. Each character is well rounded and individual.
We also learn that the infecting is mutating and making a harsh world even harder. I pulled for Sandy and her friends in a way I haven't in a long time. I almost dreaded reading near the end of the book for fear that something bad would happen. It's the kind of book you find yourself daydreaming about when your not reading. The end is quite the cliff hanger. I usually hate cliff hangers but since I knew I would already be continuing this series I didn't mind so much.
One of my favorite things about this book was how it wasn't the cookie cutter book. It was a fantastic book that reminded me of the feel of 28 Days Later. That no matter how horrible the world got that somehow the human spirit will try to overcome.
Can't wait for the next book!
October 2, 2022
2022 Review
Around ten years ago the world went to shit. A virus quickly takes over the world and the majority of the population with it. For a teenager the end of the world is about the worst thing that can happen. There goes your social life and there goes the innocence to the realities of the world. Unfortunately MC Sandy McDermott has learned this lesson the hard way as she’s been on her own since practically the beginning. She’s survived on the bare necessities, scavenging smaller towns and staying on the outskirts of the larger cities in her home country of New Zealand. It isn’t until recently that the dead have taken on the fast moving flesh eaters zombie role that were most familiar with. For the most part the infected would wither away but now, somethings changed, they’re evolving.
After an injury leaves her sick and desperate she heads to the nearest city in hopes of finding medication in a hospital. Fortunately she finds a band of survivors who are also decent human beings. One just so happens to be someone she thought she lost long ago and it’s a most welcome reunion. Together the group do their best to survive, until their luck runs out. The end was very tense and a pretty brutal cliffhanger. Up until now the most drama in the book revolves around finding food so this drastic change is pretty jarring after they almost found peace. It’s been years since I read this series and I’m glad I picked it up again. While I know the road ahead still has many trials and tribulations to come, I really hope Sandy doesn’t lose her loved one. Also curious to see how everyone’s lives will change now that the infected are becoming more threatening and deadly.
Around ten years ago the world went to shit. A virus quickly takes over the world and the majority of the population with it. For a teenager the end of the world is about the worst thing that can happen. There goes your social life and there goes the innocence to the realities of the world. Unfortunately MC Sandy McDermott has learned this lesson the hard way as she’s been on her own since practically the beginning. She’s survived on the bare necessities, scavenging smaller towns and staying on the outskirts of the larger cities in her home country of New Zealand. It isn’t until recently that the dead have taken on the fast moving flesh eaters zombie role that were most familiar with. For the most part the infected would wither away but now, somethings changed, they’re evolving.
After an injury leaves her sick and desperate she heads to the nearest city in hopes of finding medication in a hospital. Fortunately she finds a band of survivors who are also decent human beings. One just so happens to be someone she thought she lost long ago and it’s a most welcome reunion. Together the group do their best to survive, until their luck runs out. The end was very tense and a pretty brutal cliffhanger. Up until now the most drama in the book revolves around finding food so this drastic change is pretty jarring after they almost found peace. It’s been years since I read this series and I’m glad I picked it up again. While I know the road ahead still has many trials and tribulations to come, I really hope Sandy doesn’t lose her loved one. Also curious to see how everyone’s lives will change now that the infected are becoming more threatening and deadly.
October 4, 2013
*I received this book in exchange for review*
I loved this story. I have not delved into this genre before, but I loved this book and I honestly can't wait for the sequel. As soon as I finished it I headed over to the authors facebook page saw that she had posted a link to the first couple of chapters for the 2nd book, I couldn't resist and had to start reading, the first one was that great!
I will try to keep this review simple and with no spoilers.
The book starts out introducing the reader to Sandy. She is alone in a post apocalyptic zombie world, scavenging and surviving by herself. The beginning chapters go between the present time in the story and 2013 when the plague started to spread. We see the movement of her family in an attempt to get further away from the plague and then the reader is back to Sandy's present day, alone.
As the story progresses Sandy must venture from the current safety of her home in search of medicine. It is at this time that Sandy it introduced to other survivors, my favorite part is the protection from her "big meat shield," I seriously laughed out loud. Sandy is truly witty, even her inner dialogue and talking to herself throughout the whole book is humorous.
I truly loved how this story was written. So clear and detailed and I never felt like I was missing anything. The whole story flowed very smoothly and I just wanted to see what happened next! I won't go into more detail about what happens after Sandy's joining the survivors to avoid spoilers, you will just have to read it ;)
*There is a cliffhanger
I loved this story. I have not delved into this genre before, but I loved this book and I honestly can't wait for the sequel. As soon as I finished it I headed over to the authors facebook page saw that she had posted a link to the first couple of chapters for the 2nd book, I couldn't resist and had to start reading, the first one was that great!
I will try to keep this review simple and with no spoilers.
The book starts out introducing the reader to Sandy. She is alone in a post apocalyptic zombie world, scavenging and surviving by herself. The beginning chapters go between the present time in the story and 2013 when the plague started to spread. We see the movement of her family in an attempt to get further away from the plague and then the reader is back to Sandy's present day, alone.
As the story progresses Sandy must venture from the current safety of her home in search of medicine. It is at this time that Sandy it introduced to other survivors, my favorite part is the protection from her "big meat shield," I seriously laughed out loud. Sandy is truly witty, even her inner dialogue and talking to herself throughout the whole book is humorous.
I truly loved how this story was written. So clear and detailed and I never felt like I was missing anything. The whole story flowed very smoothly and I just wanted to see what happened next! I won't go into more detail about what happens after Sandy's joining the survivors to avoid spoilers, you will just have to read it ;)
*There is a cliffhanger
September 20, 2013
Finally, the Zombie Apocalypse story I've been waiting to read!! This is an incredibly well written story that is not all about slashing zombies to live. There are zombies, and zombies as you have never seen before, very awesome, creepy and scary. But they do not take center stage and overpower the story for once. This amazing book follows the emotional journey of a young teen into her adulthood showing HOW she survives. What she endures, encounters, the real nitty gritty of what would happen next that is lacking in most apocalyptic tales. There is a realism in the characters in the book that is so often lost in apocalyptic storytelling. This girl/woman is not a superhero nor does she have paranormal powers. She is a real, believable quirky 'heroine' made strong through her having to face the end of the world as a high school senior and grow up or die. It was very easy to become emotionally invested in this story. I admit, I do not remember having ever cried so much in a zombie book before. This story has something that will appeal to all readers, not just fans of zombies, there is true drama, some romance, thrills, terror and of course the apocalypse. This book has become one of two Apocalypse books that are my favorites.
I cannot wait for the next installments to come out !
I cannot wait for the next installments to come out !
October 2, 2014
I would like to thank V.L Dreyer for providing a free copy in exchange for a review.
I loved this book about survivors in New Zealand ten years after a deadly virus kills most of the population. I cried when it was explained how Sandy lost her family. I have not read many post apocalyptic dystopian novels, but The Survivors Book 1 has made me want to read more. This is the first in a series and it ends in a pretty good cliff hanger. I cannot wait to read the next book.
I loved this book about survivors in New Zealand ten years after a deadly virus kills most of the population. I cried when it was explained how Sandy lost her family. I have not read many post apocalyptic dystopian novels, but The Survivors Book 1 has made me want to read more. This is the first in a series and it ends in a pretty good cliff hanger. I cannot wait to read the next book.
October 17, 2013
Omg I'm in tears and need the next book this is so heart wrenching and draws you in there is no escaping once you start this book be prepared to not be able to put it down till you finish it. I love that it's totally different to the other zombie books and that's it's not a love story as much as a survivors story n struggles. Read it today it's one book you don't want to miss out on
March 23, 2018
If you want Zombies, this isn't the book for you. Oh they exist in these pages, but not in a 'Walking Dead' type way. This book is more about what happens later, years later, after the riots, after the rampant infection, after the complete shutdown of everything we know and love, like hot showers. How would you survive?
This is a book about survival, and it's not always pretty.
Dreyer has done a marvellous job of painting a world several years into the future, where life isn't the same, and that's the beauty of this book.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Why didn't I go for five stars? Small personal things mostly, but the main one being that book delves (briefly) into the story of a pedophile - I can't stomach reading about pedophiles after investigating them in a former career. I actively steer clear of that sort of thing. It didn't do much to advance the plot and I felt it had been included for shock value only. It was unnecessary.
For the most part, this book was a fresh perspective on the dystopian story, told from a Kiwi angle. I enjoyed the recognition of the place names and the Maori culture.
This is a book about survival, and it's not always pretty.
Dreyer has done a marvellous job of painting a world several years into the future, where life isn't the same, and that's the beauty of this book.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Why didn't I go for five stars? Small personal things mostly, but the main one being that book delves (briefly) into the story of a pedophile - I can't stomach reading about pedophiles after investigating them in a former career. I actively steer clear of that sort of thing. It didn't do much to advance the plot and I felt it had been included for shock value only. It was unnecessary.
For the most part, this book was a fresh perspective on the dystopian story, told from a Kiwi angle. I enjoyed the recognition of the place names and the Maori culture.
August 12, 2013
The Survivors - Summer is a post-apocalyptic, dystopian story set after the world has been ravaged by a plague that has wiped out civilization as we know it. (Is that really a bad thing? The way things are now, I was reading this and thinking it sounded a little like paradise to me!)
I give this book a hearty 4 1/2 stars.
Sandy is one tough survivor, having made her own way in this decimated world for 10 years. Bad things have happened. I won't detail them here - that is what the book is for.
I will tell you that this story gripped me right from the start. I was hooked into Sandy's world and the trials of living in a world where nothing is handed to you out the drive-up window and "Do you want fries with that?"
The author has a knack for describing scenes and details with a clarity that brought me right into the world and slapped me in the face with stench of rotting corpses and shuffling zombies, heat and hunger and potential danger lurking around every corner.
The voice she gives Sandy is very down to earth and consistent, down to the mental "Sorry Mum" every time Sandy curses. I totally believed in Sandy as a real person telling me her story.
Sandy's ingenuity is inspiring, her toughness phenomenal, her plight both heartbreaking and frightening. When she meets up with the other survivors you feel her conflicted emotions: can she trust them, or is she helpless under the control of some unknown 'other'? Again.
The loss of that half star is due to some plot features such as that occasionally took me 'out of the bubble' long enough to think, "Well, isn't that a fortunate coincidence." But then again, who is to say something or someone won't turn up in Book II to explain these things? I'm in. I want to read more to find out. And I can accept them as fiction, and suspend my disbelief for the majority of the time I spent reading.
The Survivors - Summer is thought provoking for me in that it left me wondering if I would fare as well being left to my own devices in a post-apocalyptic world. I'd like to think so.
This is a very enjoyable read. I can hardly wait for Book II.
I give this book a hearty 4 1/2 stars.
Sandy is one tough survivor, having made her own way in this decimated world for 10 years. Bad things have happened. I won't detail them here - that is what the book is for.
I will tell you that this story gripped me right from the start. I was hooked into Sandy's world and the trials of living in a world where nothing is handed to you out the drive-up window and "Do you want fries with that?"
The author has a knack for describing scenes and details with a clarity that brought me right into the world and slapped me in the face with stench of rotting corpses and shuffling zombies, heat and hunger and potential danger lurking around every corner.
The voice she gives Sandy is very down to earth and consistent, down to the mental "Sorry Mum" every time Sandy curses. I totally believed in Sandy as a real person telling me her story.
Sandy's ingenuity is inspiring, her toughness phenomenal, her plight both heartbreaking and frightening. When she meets up with the other survivors you feel her conflicted emotions: can she trust them, or is she helpless under the control of some unknown 'other'? Again.
The loss of that half star is due to some plot features such as that occasionally took me 'out of the bubble' long enough to think, "Well, isn't that a fortunate coincidence." But then again, who is to say something or someone won't turn up in Book II to explain these things? I'm in. I want to read more to find out. And I can accept them as fiction, and suspend my disbelief for the majority of the time I spent reading.
The Survivors - Summer is thought provoking for me in that it left me wondering if I would fare as well being left to my own devices in a post-apocalyptic world. I'd like to think so.
This is a very enjoyable read. I can hardly wait for Book II.
December 1, 2017
A really enjoyable read.
September 1, 2013
Actual score: 4.5 stars
I was given a copy of this ebook by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I just finished the book and I'm feeling a little raw. One thing that Ms. Dreyer does well is convey the emotion of her characters while grabbing the reader's own in a tight grip that doesn't let go, even when you are done reading.
I won't rehash the blurb, and although this book may have been a little different than what I normally read, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sandy's quirky humor made me smile throughout the book, and even when she was on her own the story never dragged or felt slow. Contemplating the end of civilization brings out some interesting thoughts and fears that are universal across all people, and the book touches on those without getting dramatic or preachy. And while it has some romantic elements, I would not classify it as a romance novel, so don't let that dissuade you if you aren't looking for it.
There were some genuinely heart-wrenching and some frightening parts. I actually cried twice. I won't elaborate and spoil your reading experience. :)
Overall, this is a good read and I recommend it! Can't wait for the next one!!
I was given a copy of this ebook by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I just finished the book and I'm feeling a little raw. One thing that Ms. Dreyer does well is convey the emotion of her characters while grabbing the reader's own in a tight grip that doesn't let go, even when you are done reading.
I won't rehash the blurb, and although this book may have been a little different than what I normally read, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sandy's quirky humor made me smile throughout the book, and even when she was on her own the story never dragged or felt slow. Contemplating the end of civilization brings out some interesting thoughts and fears that are universal across all people, and the book touches on those without getting dramatic or preachy. And while it has some romantic elements, I would not classify it as a romance novel, so don't let that dissuade you if you aren't looking for it.
There were some genuinely heart-wrenching and some frightening parts. I actually cried twice. I won't elaborate and spoil your reading experience. :)
Overall, this is a good read and I recommend it! Can't wait for the next one!!
August 13, 2013
OMG this book looks awesome!!!! I really wanna win it!!
August 24, 2013
I just loved it. It was gripping, disgusting, lovely, heart-wrenching and totally realistic. Bring on the next one!
September 12, 2013
SO EXCITED TO READ THIS BOOK!
September 18, 2013
Love it. Can't wait to read book 2
November 19, 2017
It was an easy enough ramble through a post apocalyptic world. Rating 3.5 stars
What I liked. It had jumped ten years post event to provided a realistic glimpse into 'after'. The MC is likeable and her plight and struggles very realistically portrayed. Zombies were initially viewed as non-threatening and the book uses a mutation changing the zombie behaviour as new threat…so a bit of a different take.
What I didn't like. I struggled with the pace in places, and found myself skipping forward since a large section at the start of book was dedicated to a single character. While it was interesting for a short time I found myself craving interactions with other characters. Finding her sister felt implausible given so few people had survived, ten years apart and then boom. That said, its a work of fiction so I can suspend a little realism for a story.
Overall, and despite there being plenty of action it somehow felt like it was missing some punch, but an easy read and enjoyable.
What I liked. It had jumped ten years post event to provided a realistic glimpse into 'after'. The MC is likeable and her plight and struggles very realistically portrayed. Zombies were initially viewed as non-threatening and the book uses a mutation changing the zombie behaviour as new threat…so a bit of a different take.
What I didn't like. I struggled with the pace in places, and found myself skipping forward since a large section at the start of book was dedicated to a single character. While it was interesting for a short time I found myself craving interactions with other characters. Finding her sister felt implausible given so few people had survived, ten years apart and then boom. That said, its a work of fiction so I can suspend a little realism for a story.
Overall, and despite there being plenty of action it somehow felt like it was missing some punch, but an easy read and enjoyable.
May 13, 2015
Really great story. Loved the characters.
August 18, 2017
I didn't think this was that great at all. The characters just never came to life for me. They were all flat and dull and nothing that anyone did ever seemed very logical or believable. For example, Sandy and her little sister are permanently separated for a reason so stupid and implausible. A flat tire, on the road during the family's flee from the city while one car was following the other. The lead driver lost sight of the car that was following and didn't immediately turn back to see what was up? Didn't even pull over to wait for the second car to catch up? Did nothing more than bite lip and cast furtive glances into the rearview mirror?
As to the setting, I was really looking forward to reading something set in New Zealand. I love stories set in countries other than my own. But there was no feeling of place at all. It could have been anywhere. Other than a few words, such as boot, torch, ute, etc.. there was really no indication that this was any specific city in any specific country anywhere.
I was interested also because it's been 10 years since the big event and I thought that was kind of different. In most apocalypse type settings, it's either right now while it's happening or 200 years later in a weird new civilization. There really was no difference in the way anyone was surviving now as opposed to right after. Mostly it's all just a bunch of scavenging and living off 10 year old canned goods. I'm not even sure if that's likely that anything would still be edible or that gasoline in a car's gas tank would still be viable and that sort of thing.
The infected are different because they are non-violent (unless they were already violent) and not dead, just sort of half alive and also rotting but very slowly which makes no sense to me. But still it was unique. Until it wasn't and suddenly they turned feral and there went another aspect that made this series different.
The worst thing for me by far, though, was the main character and her thoughts. Everything inside her head is so completely over explained. The story is written in first person, yet it feels like after every thought she has, or every thing she does, no matter how completely obvious the reason, the why of it is then explained again in a third-person type manner. It's almost insulting to the reader. It's completely unnecessary and very annoying.
I just don't think I can put up with this nonsense for the length of time it will take to find out what happens to these characters.
As to the setting, I was really looking forward to reading something set in New Zealand. I love stories set in countries other than my own. But there was no feeling of place at all. It could have been anywhere. Other than a few words, such as boot, torch, ute, etc.. there was really no indication that this was any specific city in any specific country anywhere.
I was interested also because it's been 10 years since the big event and I thought that was kind of different. In most apocalypse type settings, it's either right now while it's happening or 200 years later in a weird new civilization. There really was no difference in the way anyone was surviving now as opposed to right after. Mostly it's all just a bunch of scavenging and living off 10 year old canned goods. I'm not even sure if that's likely that anything would still be edible or that gasoline in a car's gas tank would still be viable and that sort of thing.
The infected are different because they are non-violent (unless they were already violent) and not dead, just sort of half alive and also rotting but very slowly which makes no sense to me. But still it was unique. Until it wasn't and suddenly they turned feral and there went another aspect that made this series different.
The worst thing for me by far, though, was the main character and her thoughts. Everything inside her head is so completely over explained. The story is written in first person, yet it feels like after every thought she has, or every thing she does, no matter how completely obvious the reason, the why of it is then explained again in a third-person type manner. It's almost insulting to the reader. It's completely unnecessary and very annoying.
I just don't think I can put up with this nonsense for the length of time it will take to find out what happens to these characters.
November 4, 2017
If I found a zombie baby, I was going to turn myself right back around and go die of tetanus in my truck. On the scale of horrification, zombie baby beats death by tetanus any day.
Sandy McDermott is a survivor of a nasty, virulent infection that wipes out civilization in New Zealand, and possibly the rest of the world. Of course, by the time everything is said and done, no one really knows if there's anything left in the rest of the world. All Sandy knows is that her dad and little sister are gone, and both her mom and grandma are dead, along with the most of the rest of New Zealand. The remains of the plague are undead, either helplessly slow and unthreatening lumps of flesh, or vicious and quick cannibals that move like canines. There's also the infected undead pigs. :) Love those.
As the first in a series of post-apocalyptic books featuring Sandy and her Kiwi friends, Summer is entertaining and fun. Sandy is a tough chick - she's survived ten years alone, and the story picks up when an injury of hers forces her to go into the city seeking medicines and encountering other survivors. At times the book felt a little young adult-y, in that some of the aspects, such as the romance between her and Michael, and the re-discovery of her young sister Skylar, felt too good to be true. As did the fact that there was still running water and electricity, a decade after the collapse of civilization. I'm certainly not a prepper, but I would have thought the electric grid would have failed by then. Maybe it's different down in New Zealand. The pigs certainly are ferocious. ;)
Overall, a very entertaining read, and one that I would recommend to fans of speculative fiction. Nice job.
Sandy McDermott is a survivor of a nasty, virulent infection that wipes out civilization in New Zealand, and possibly the rest of the world. Of course, by the time everything is said and done, no one really knows if there's anything left in the rest of the world. All Sandy knows is that her dad and little sister are gone, and both her mom and grandma are dead, along with the most of the rest of New Zealand. The remains of the plague are undead, either helplessly slow and unthreatening lumps of flesh, or vicious and quick cannibals that move like canines. There's also the infected undead pigs. :) Love those.
As the first in a series of post-apocalyptic books featuring Sandy and her Kiwi friends, Summer is entertaining and fun. Sandy is a tough chick - she's survived ten years alone, and the story picks up when an injury of hers forces her to go into the city seeking medicines and encountering other survivors. At times the book felt a little young adult-y, in that some of the aspects, such as the romance between her and Michael, and the re-discovery of her young sister Skylar, felt too good to be true. As did the fact that there was still running water and electricity, a decade after the collapse of civilization. I'm certainly not a prepper, but I would have thought the electric grid would have failed by then. Maybe it's different down in New Zealand. The pigs certainly are ferocious. ;)
Overall, a very entertaining read, and one that I would recommend to fans of speculative fiction. Nice job.
April 6, 2019
I knew it
Just when you think an author is going to let you fall in love with a character, and keep them alive, they kill them! I'm not saying who it when but it HURT! This story was enjoyable and well paced, the characters were well written and it all made for a great experience, except for that one thing.
Just when you think an author is going to let you fall in love with a character, and keep them alive, they kill them! I'm not saying who it when but it HURT! This story was enjoyable and well paced, the characters were well written and it all made for a great experience, except for that one thing.
July 27, 2020
I enjoyed this story because it had heart rather than just killing, as in many of these kinds of books.
It's set in New Zealand and though it doesn't describe what I imagine is a vast place, the characters seem different to those within other cultures, particularly America, where only self matters. Though not all 'good', there was a feeling of wanting a better future rather than 'let's take what we can' attitude.
It was well-written and fast-paced, if a little naive in places, and not necessarily believable. There were some tricky issues tackled well and the theme of love was important. Maddy was an intriguing character, as if gifted in some way, or maybe it was just a quirk of personality? I kept wondering if the plague had changed the 'healthy' in other, unusual and interesting ways?
Overall, a great read, but I will have to wait to buy the rest when funds allow.
Recommended.
It's set in New Zealand and though it doesn't describe what I imagine is a vast place, the characters seem different to those within other cultures, particularly America, where only self matters. Though not all 'good', there was a feeling of wanting a better future rather than 'let's take what we can' attitude.
It was well-written and fast-paced, if a little naive in places, and not necessarily believable. There were some tricky issues tackled well and the theme of love was important. Maddy was an intriguing character, as if gifted in some way, or maybe it was just a quirk of personality? I kept wondering if the plague had changed the 'healthy' in other, unusual and interesting ways?
Overall, a great read, but I will have to wait to buy the rest when funds allow.
Recommended.
February 27, 2018
This is the first true post apocalyptic/dystopian romance that I have read which took more time developing the two main characters relationship than finding and fighting off zombies. I liked the lack of gore, gratuitous violence and other trademarks most used in these types of reads. It was a nice change of pace.
September 3, 2015
This is not your typical dystopian/apocalypse story. Set 10 years after a virus killed most of humanity, only those immune survive. It's also not flesh eating zombies that wander around aimlessly; they're just "brain dead" people that can't operate normally anymore. It's more the living you need to worry about. At least it starts that way.
All Sandy wants to do is find her family again (and a little kitten that befriends her in the beginning). Scavenging and trying to rebuild civilization is easier with help, but being hurt makes Sandy not want to meet anyone living. I love that the main character was defensive, yet gave new people she met an opportunity to prove themselves.
One reviewer said it's kind of like Castaway. That's pretty accurate. Sandy is forced to survive on her own, but I didn't feel bored reading or like the story was lagging. I was very curious as to what she would do next. It was almost like I was a voyeur reading this, b/c Dreyer did a good job painting a really in depth picture of Sandy and her story. I felt like I was with her the entire time, and felt what she felt.
Very well written and good emotional connection.
All Sandy wants to do is find her family again (and a little kitten that befriends her in the beginning). Scavenging and trying to rebuild civilization is easier with help, but being hurt makes Sandy not want to meet anyone living. I love that the main character was defensive, yet gave new people she met an opportunity to prove themselves.
One reviewer said it's kind of like Castaway. That's pretty accurate. Sandy is forced to survive on her own, but I didn't feel bored reading or like the story was lagging. I was very curious as to what she would do next. It was almost like I was a voyeur reading this, b/c Dreyer did a good job painting a really in depth picture of Sandy and her story. I felt like I was with her the entire time, and felt what she felt.
Very well written and good emotional connection.
October 20, 2014
This book was not my normal genre of books, but I liked it very much. It is a post apocalyptic zombie story. It was a sound story line that was not like other zombie stories I have heard of. The characters were well written and the relationships between them flowed. You get to know them very well.
The only warning I will give is that it's a series and this book will not stand alone. There is a cliff hanger and you will want to get to the next book quickly (that really isn’t a bad thing right)?
I personally look forward to seeing what the new world holds for Sandy and all the other survivors.
The only warning I will give is that it's a series and this book will not stand alone. There is a cliff hanger and you will want to get to the next book quickly (that really isn’t a bad thing right)?
I personally look forward to seeing what the new world holds for Sandy and all the other survivors.
September 15, 2014
I finished this book yesterday. It was good but I had trouble with the inner monologue. It was long and I got really tired. The first half of the book goes on and on. If you like I am legend then you will like this book.
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